Evatt, Herbert Vere, 1894 – 1965

Herbert Vere Evatt (1894-1965), barrister and parliamentarian, was born at East Maitland, NSW, son of John and Jeanie Evatt. He was educated at Maitland, Fort Street Boys High School and the University of Sydney where he graduated Bachelor of Arts (1915), Master of Arts (1917), Bachelor of Laws (1918) and Doctor of Laws (1924. He was admitted as a barrister in 1918 and appointed King's Counsel in 1929.

Evatt was a member of the Australian Labor Party from the early 1920's. He was elected a member of the NSW Legislative Assembly for the seat of Balmain (1925-1930).

Evatt was elected to the federal parliament as a member of the House of Representatives for the seats of Barton (1940-1958) and Hunter (1958-1960). His was Attorney-General and Minister for External Affairs (1941-1949), Deputy Prime Minister (1946-1949), and Deputy Leader of the Opposition (1950). He was President of the General Assembly of United Nations (1946-1948). Evatt was a Justice of the High Court of Australia (1930-1940) and Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of NSW (1960-1962).